used Basses

[PDubs]

That said, I've been burned by unscrupulous sellers who didn't fully disclose the state of a used instrument, so as always caveat emptor (buyer beware).

I just bought a Warwick of fleabay and the nut was broken. Seller told me that it probably happened during shipping. The strings were on the bass, so I think that would be impossible. He had perfect feedback over 100 too.

Used is prob the way to go, but be warned that there are some scumbags out there.

 

[Dincrest]

I've owned 5 basses over my lifetime (I only have 1 in the stable now.) 3 were bought new, 2 were bought used. The two used ones were the best basses I'd ever owned. One was bought at a music store and it felt and sounded awesome. Another was bought from a trusted TB member and it's my #1 and only.

I'd also only buy used gear from someone who lives reasonably close to me, so I could just drive over to get it, or s/he could drive it to me.

For me, the only reason to go into Guitar Center or Sam Ash is to scope out the great used gear.

The only bass I'd buy brand new these days is a handmade custom by a luthier, because in that case I'm getting one built to my specs.

After all, for the price of a decent/nice new bass, you can get an even better one used.

 

[bassrebel]

the only bass I bought new was my first

 

[P_bass]

I have never bought a new bass, but it is my intention to buy a new one in the next few years as the one I plan to play the rest of my life.

My current 73 Precision, bought used has been by my side for more than 2 decades. I am sure it will be for a few more too.

 

[Bone]

I have bought a handfull of new basses but I like the used basses. Of the new basses most have been customs or hard to find used.

 

[MobileHolmes]

I have three main basses, 1.5 were new. The .5 is a fretless that was a new neck on an old body. My pappy taught me that you get way more bang for thebuck if someone else eats the depreiciation.

 

[lbwdog]

I HATE buying shoes. None feel good at first and it takes me weeks finding a pair that feel even halfway good but my favorite shoes, now, were once new.

Same with a bass. It just don't feel right to me when new, but once it's broken in, I can feel all of it's nuances (good or bad). I think it affects the way I play as well!! I think more comfortably when playing a good vintage bass than with a new one, if that makes any sense.

I've even performed an accelerated "breaking in" on new basses by sanding the neck, rubbing chicken grease,etc.

Thank goodness I still have one vintage Fender left in my stable!

 

[acleex38]

Let's see...of all my basses (10 basses over 20 years), five were bought new. By Thanksgiving, it will be the first time I will have kept a new one more than a single year.

 

[Squidfinger]

I wanted to buy used because I was on a very tight budget and looked at alot of pawn shops when I was searching for an early X-mas bass and all I found was either:

1) No basses, just guitars

2) Badly bowed or warped necks. I don't mind scratches or dings, they show character. But these basses looked like someone had gone to town on the truss rods.

3) Asking too much for old, beat up, no-name crap. Though I ass-ume they do haggle.

4) The best quality stuff I found were older Peavey's (not USA). Alot of no-name stuff. I was expecting atleast one or two MIM Fenders but nope.


All in all it was a pretty disappointing experience after having read all your guys' stories of walking out with real gems for pretty cheap.

So I ended up buying a slightly used SRX400 off ebay. It'll be my first piece of used equipment when it gets here Tuesday.

 

[TNF]

I much prefer mojo as well. I only own two new basses of my 10.

Actually I prefer my mojo really. I've got two basses now that each have, give or take, 10 years of work of mine done on them. They are my most comfortable basses. I can play anything on them. And that's a good feeling.

 

[The Mule]

All my current basses I've bought used. I've noticed that I prefer them over new instruments.

 

[Baryonyx]

I've even performed an accelerated "breaking in" on new basses by sanding the neck, rubbing chicken grease,etc.

Pray do tell where you rub this chicken grease, I can't see anywhere on a bass where this could be benificial...

 

[The Mule]

Back of the neck after sanding is the only thing I can think of...

 

[40Hz_of_Love]

Never bought a new bass and propably never will.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Chicken grease on a bass?
I'll go with new over that kind of used!

 

[bubblysax]

This thread made me think, and realise that in approx 30 years (off and on) of owning basses, not one was bought new, even through the times when I had plenty of dosh.

When I pick up new basses in a store, they always seem, what can best be described as 'shallow'. They haven't got the 'depth' of a well used quality bass.

 

[fenderjazz68]

I rarely buy new basses, I'd rather get the same thing cheaper...

When I sell them it hurts less, and on rare ocassions make a small profit.

 

[prsbass2]

There is always the argument that used pick ups sound better....Old P basses seem to have a lot more thump than new....Unless they're active of course...... Cook your pick ups!!!

 

[jedihighcouncil]

I've bought 2 new basses in my life. Every other one I own is used.

 

[Disc]

How easy is it too find a used lefty? I'm guessing i know the answer...